With Arroyo a virtual certainty to be suspended by the league, and Hunter still not ready to come back (supposedly), I wouldn't be surprised if Acker got put on the active roster and Maxiell the IL for this game, just to give us another body in the backcourt.

It's not as if he'll play. Chauncey's got to stay out of foul trouble, because he's going to go 43 to 45 minutes, and Prince will play the point when he's out.

It'd be real nice timing if Lindsay could somehow suit up Thursday, but there's no need, IMO, to rush him back for one game in the middle of January.

I'd rather see Delfino man the point, or figure something else out. But I thought most reports were that Hunter was healthy enough to come back, but Flip wanted to make sure he knew what they were doing, 100%

If thats the case, Dress my main man LH.

I never want to see LH on the court again, so just give Delfino the point-forward spot.

My vote goes to Hunter.

He's ready.

I'm ready.

Are you?

PS: Trade Arroyo and Darko for Mike James and contract filler. Make it happen, Joe. Make it happen. They need size, are a losing team, and can afford to let Darko develop. I know James for Arroyo is a joke that would be shot down, but Darko and Arroyo for James and contract filler should tempt Toronto and at least make them think about it.

Why? Sure he cant run the offense, but he's the best defensive PG in the NBA right now. I've never seen anyone able to man up like him. He can pick anyone.

Why? Sure he cant run the offense, but he's the best defensive PG in the NBA right now. I've never seen anyone able to man up like him. He can pick anyone.

Apparently, people want our backup point guard who plays like six minutes per game to be the best offensive, best passing, and best defensive guard in the league.

I swear, people give Arroyo, a decent scorer/passer but terrible defender too much shit around here, and they also give Hunter, a great defender but terrible passer/scorer too bad a rap around here when he's actually playing, too.

What more do you expect out of a backup who hardly plays at all? I'd just like to see them both healthy, to switch up offense/defense when the need arises (assuming we can't get the other pit bull back, of course).

My vote goes to Hunter.

He's ready.

I'm ready.

Are you?

PS: Trade Arroyo and Darko for Mike James and contract filler. Make it happen, Joe. Make it happen. They need size, are a losing team, and can afford to let Darko develop. I know James for Arroyo is a joke that would be shot down, but Darko and Arroyo for James and contract filler should tempt Toronto and at least make them think about it.

What is everyone's fantasy with James?

Why? Sure he cant run the offense, but he's the best defensive PG in the NBA right now. I've never seen anyone able to man up like him. He can pick anyone.

Apparently, people want our backup point guard who plays like six minutes per game to be the best offensive, best passing, and best defensive guard in the league.

I swear, people give Arroyo, a decent scorer/passer but terrible defender too much shit around here, and they also give Hunter, a great defender but terrible passer/scorer too bad a rap around here when he's actually playing, too.

What more do you expect out of a backup who hardly plays at all? I'd just like to see them both healthy, to switch up offense/defense when the need arises (assuming we can't get the other pit bull back, of course).


I agree with every word you said.

My vote goes to Hunter.

He's ready.

I'm ready.

Are you?

PS: Trade Arroyo and Darko for Mike James and contract filler. Make it happen, Joe. Make it happen. They need size, are a losing team, and can afford to let Darko develop. I know James for Arroyo is a joke that would be shot down, but Darko and Arroyo for James and contract filler should tempt Toronto and at least make them think about it.

What is everyone's fantasy with James?

As a backup, he's probably the best point guard in the league. Look at what he's doing as a starter in Houston/Toronto. Tell me what he produces wouldn't be a luxury for just what I'm talking about - a measly six or so minutes per game backing up Chauncey.

Why? Sure he cant run the offense, but he's the best defensive PG in the NBA right now. I've never seen anyone able to man up like him. He can pick anyone.

He gambles way too much on defense for my tastes. And after seeing Wade, Iverson and Parker carve him up last year in the postseason I really don't see what's so special about him.

Anybody who hates on Arroyo - get a fucking life. Seriously.

Pompous jackasses.

My vote goes to Hunter.

He's ready.

I'm ready.

Are you?

PS: Trade Arroyo and Darko for Mike James and contract filler. Make it happen, Joe. Make it happen. They need size, are a losing team, and can afford to let Darko develop. I know James for Arroyo is a joke that would be shot down, but Darko and Arroyo for James and contract filler should tempt Toronto and at least make them think about it.

What is everyone's fantasy with James?

He's been fantastic this season. He's averaging 16.5 points and 5.0 assists. He also can opt out of his contract after this season, which is almost a certainty at this point.

I can't imagine they'll trade him, even though there's a decent chance they'll lose him after this year.

Why? Sure he cant run the offense, but he's the best defensive PG in the NBA right now. I've never seen anyone able to man up like him. He can pick anyone.

He gambles way too much on defense for my tastes. And after seeing Wade, Iverson and Parker carve him up last year in the postseason I really don't see what's so special about him.


Sorry, alls I seem to recall is him shutting down and fustrating the fuck outa wade when he was killin us....I dont remember him being carved up at all.

Sorry, alls I seem to recall is him shutting down and fustrating the fuck outa wade when he was killin us....I dont remember him being carved up at all.

You don't remember it because it never happened.

Get a fuckin clue, GW.

Guys don't trade away Darko for James, James will opt out of his contract then sign with Detroit for the MLE for 3 years.

Followed by me doing the happy dance all over the living room.

Anybody who hates on Arroyo - get a fucking life. Seriously.

Pompous jackasses.

Why should we like the poor mans Rafer Alston again?

Anybody who hates on Arroyo - get a fucking life. Seriously.

Pompous jackasses.

Why should we like the poor mans Rafer Alston again?

:lol:

Who do we play Thursday?? I recall hearing that Hunter would be ready for the Boston game, so if we play Boston, than he's right on schedule. However I believe we have to drop somebody to the inactive list because you can't replace a player who is suspended.

Monster Max is the obvious choice, but it could get interesting as Darko will be considered. However I don't think such a statement wants to be made - whether we are trying to peddle him out of town or not.

SA is Thursday. So I agree with the Delfino line of thinking, he should get the minutes.

We're toast against the Spurs.

I would love to see Maxiell at SF against the Spurs being gaurded by Bowen and gaurding Bowen's no offense havin ass. Maxiell would destroy him in the post. If he puts the ball on the floor however, that's another story all together...

Bowen can dribble?

We're toast against the Spurs.

I completely agree. We're just flat as hell right now. I expect a Dallas-level blowout on Thursday.

Bowen can dribble?

I meant Maxiell putting the ball on the floor and dribbling against Bowen's D, but that's not his game anyways.

Max in the post vs any SF they could throw at him = owned.

Does anyone think this outburst by Arroyo has anything to do with trade talk? He seemed like he had something to prove.

I mean unless you subscribe to McBallless's writing it is well known that Arroyo has been mentioned in trade talks. A lot of the reason that writers feel Arroyo is expendable has to do with his one dimmensional nature. Tonight he showed more and showed fire that has been lacking from his game. Now he went overboard but for a change people noticed him for more than just his passing.

I thought we already knew that fouling was his second dimension.

I never want to see LH on the court again, so just give Delfino the point-forward spot.
reasoning on this? he may not be a great at running the offense but his defense is top 10(maybe even top 5) in the league at his position. someone else can handle the ball mostly and even lindsay can handle the ball up the full court.

We're toast against the Spurs.

I completely agree. We're just flat as hell right now. I expect a Dallas-level blowout on Thursday.
i honestly doubt we'll come out flat against the spurs. and i thought we played much better on defense in the second half of tonite's game.

as far as arroyo being out. its hard to tell what effect that'll have. it all depends on whose taking over the point spot?...

The Spurs D is waaaay too good to rely on anyone outside of Billups at the point for more than a minute or two.

The Spurs D is waaaay too good to rely on anyone outside of Billups at the point for more than a minute or two.
maybe. its not as good as last year. but like i said i gotta see who flip goes with. i doubt it'll be a rookie. my guess is tayshan or delfino.

And neither of those two have a prayer to stay in front of Parker or Van Exel. Thursday will be brutal.

And neither of those two have a prayer to stay in front of Parker or Van Exel. Thursday will be brutal.
you are equating it wrong. they wouldnt take the defensive responsibility. rip will obviously take the job and probally get more minutes that usual for one night. not to mention van exel does more jump shooting anyways. all they have to do is watch for the screens.

I completely agree. We're just flat as hell right now. I expect a Dallas-level blowout on Thursday.

I don't think that the Spurs are going to blow us out but I do think that we will have a hard time winning this game. Also keep in mind that Tay and Rip will have a tough time guarding Parker and Ginobli a night after playing 42 and 43 minutes.

If Arroyo suspended:

Acker suits up.

Why? If Hunter is ready like most are reporting, why not go with the vet instead of having to watch Acker struggle vs the spurs?

I would have to assume that Lindsey will be ready to go. They are saying Monday he is going to play for sure but I cannot see why they are holding him until then. I have seen the guy practice you cannot tell that he just had surgery. He should be ready to rock

Anybody who hates on Arroyo - get a fucking life. Seriously.

Pompous jackasses.

Why should we like the poor mans Rafer Alston again?It seems like people are looking for shit to complain about. This team is 27-5 and miserable cunts want to whine about how Arroyo isn't Vinnie fucking Johnson off the bench.

Anybody who hates on Arroyo - get a fucking life. Seriously.

Pompous jackasses.

Why should we like the poor mans Rafer Alston again?It seems like people are looking for shit to complain about. This team is 27-5 and miserable cunts want to whine about how Arroyo isn't Vinnie fucking Johnson off the bench.

Yes, we're 27-5 but we're still not perfect. The pistons beat a ginobili-less Spurs team, were killed by the mavs and cavs the only times they played and were taken into the final 2 minutes of a game at home against the heat- and these are really the only "legit" teams that are currently playing in the NBA this season. Not to mention that it takes the pistons starters playing 40+ a night in order to win games against teams like the Raptors and Hornets.

The pistons have a long way to go before they are handed the championship.

As a result I think it's more than acceptable to criticque the areas in which this team needs to improve in order to increase their odds of winning the championship- and one of these areas is the play of Carlos Arroyo. He's brutal. He can't shoot. Dribbles too much and is probably the worst on-the-ball defending point guard in the NBA. Paul and Claxton absolutely abused poor carlos last night. Everybody abuses Carlos Arroyo. Yes, he's a back-up and perfection should not be expected but he's far from being even serviceable in my opinion, especially on the defensive end.

Hunter is an obvious upgrade at the 1 position and I hope Carlos' minutes are given to him. I don't care if Hunter shoots too much and isn't a play maker for his teammates, he's at least a resolution to a current pistons problem- too much dribble penetration being allowed to opposing point guards.

I agree that we've been giving up too much dribble penetration all year, however, I'm not ready to throw all of the balme on just Arroyo.

People who refuse to look for faults/places to improve/upgrade are going to be the ones saying "what the hell happened?" if we get bounced in the playoffs.

Speaking of Carlos, we should be hearing about his fine/suspension any time now, right?

Stern will suspend him minutes before tip-off tomorrow.

I agree that we've been giving up too much dribble penetration all year, however, I'm not ready to throw all of the balme on just Arroyo.

People who refuse to look for faults/places to improve/upgrade are going to be the ones saying "what the hell happened?" if we get bounced in the playoffs.

Speaking of Carlos, we should be hearing about his fine/suspension any time now, right?


Definitely, Carlos should not receive all of the blame. Chauncey has always struggled defending quick, dribble-penetrating point guards. With that being said, Chauncey brings a little more to the table both defensively (he simply can't be "out-physicaled" by opposing point guards and can occasionally defend the opposing shooting guard if switched) and obviously offensively.

The difference with Carlos is that he really does nothing well except for maybe not turning over the ball excessively. I guess I have a little Jerry Sloan in me, I absolutely do not like the way Carlos Arroyo plays basketball. I can count on one hand the amount to times he's actually played well this year.

The thing with Arroyo I think he needs to shoot himself into having a good game and in Detroit he can't force that issue. I think he'd be more effective playing on a crappy team. If it wasn't for that Olympic run he had, he'd probably be out of the NBA and definitely not pulling his current paycheck - I just don't think he is that good.

Flip was interviewed and said Hunter will not be activated, Alex Acker will be and could see some limited minutes, and that Prince could see some PG time as well.

Anybody who hates on Arroyo - get a fucking life. Seriously.

Pompous jackasses.

Why should we like the poor mans Rafer Alston again?It seems like people are looking for shit to complain about. This team is 27-5 and miserable cunts want to whine about how Arroyo isn't Vinnie fucking Johnson off the bench.

Yes, we're 27-5 but we're still not perfect. The pistons beat a ginobili-less Spurs team, were killed by the mavs and cavs the only times they played and were taken into the final 2 minutes of a game at home against the heat- and these are really the only "legit" teams that are currently playing in the NBA this season. Not to mention that it takes the pistons starters playing 40+ a night in order to win games against teams like the Raptors and Hornets.

The pistons have a long way to go before they are handed the championship.

As a result I think it's more than acceptable to criticque the areas in which this team needs to improve in order to increase their odds of winning the championship- and one of these areas is the play of Carlos Arroyo. He's brutal. He can't shoot. Dribbles too much and is probably the worst on-the-ball defending point guard in the NBA. Paul and Claxton absolutely abused poor carlos last night. Everybody abuses Carlos Arroyo. Yes, he's a back-up and perfection should not be expected but he's far from being even serviceable in my opinion, especially on the defensive end.

Hunter is an obvious upgrade at the 1 position and I hope Carlos' minutes are given to him. I don't care if Hunter shoots too much and isn't a play maker for his teammates, he's at least a resolution to a current pistons problem- too much dribble penetration being allowed to opposing point guards.

Well, if you're going to consider the Cavs a "legit" team, you've got to consider Memphis and Phoenix, two teams the Pistons beat on the road, as "legit" teams. I agree the NBA seems to be chockful of mediocre teams this year (probably 15 to 20), but that's the hand the Pistons are dealt with.

Arroyo's suspension is official now, so I'd activate Acker and put Maxiell on the IL tomorrow. Activating Hunter, even if it's just a game or two early, reeks of desparation to me. It shows we're putting WAAAAAAYYY too much stock in a regular season game, even if it's against the defending champs. The Spurs would never do that. I wouldn't play Acker, but I'd activate him. Play Prince at the point the 3 to 5 minutes Chauncey doesn't play.

Flip was interviewed and said Hunter will not be activated, Alex Acker will be and could see some limited minutes, and that Prince could see some PG time as well.

I expect Flip will put Delfino in for Prince halfway through the first, probably about 7 minutes in. Then Prince will come in for Chauncey at the beginning of the 2nd quarter to play the point, and play with Evans and Delfino, with Prince or Evans guarding Van Exel or Parker for about 4 to 5 minutes. That's probably a better matchup defensively than Arroyo. I hope Acker doesn't play; that's an awful tough position to put a rookie playing his first NBA game.

But I'm thrilled the Pistons aren't activating Hunter. Couldn't be happier.

Even if Acker doesn't play a minute, it will be a good learning tool for him as he'll no doubt have crazy assed butterfies in his stomach at the thought of suiting up and balling against the world champs.

I have a feeling that he'll play 2-3 minutes at the end of the game...

I don't see why playing someone everyone considers basically ready to come back (Hunter) "reeks of desperation".

I don't see why playing someone everyone considers basically ready to come back (Hunter) "reeks of desperation".

Find me one quote in any article where it says the Pistons were planning on activating Hunter for this game. Everything I've read says the Boston game at the earliest. The ONLY reason we're discussing this is because Arroyo lost his cool and bumped a ref.

To me, if we activated Hunter earlier than reported, only because our normal backup PG got himself suspended, than we're admitting to the Spurs, "This game means more to us than it does to you." And that's not a message I want to send to the defending champs.

The only real significance this game has is that if the Pistons win, and the Pistons and Spurs tie for best record, than the Pistons get homecourt in the Finals. If the Pistons and Spurs meet in the Finals, these games won't have much significance on the outcome.

I don't see why playing someone everyone considers basically ready to come back (Hunter) "reeks of desperation".

Find me one quote in any article where it says the Pistons were planning on activating Hunter for this game. Everything I've read says the Boston game at the earliest. The ONLY reason we're discussing this is because Arroyo lost his cool and bumped a ref.

To me, if we activated Hunter earlier than reported, only because our normal backup PG got himself suspended, than we're admitting to the Spurs, "This game means more to us than it does to you." And that's not a message I want to send to the defending champs.

The only real significance this game has is that if the Pistons win, and the Pistons and Spurs tie for best record, than the Pistons get homecourt in the Finals. If the Pistons and Spurs meet in the Finals, these games won't have much significance on the outcome.

I never said I could find articles that said they were going to activate him earlier than Boston. But I bet I could find articles saying he's basically ready to come back, but they're taking their time since they've got the best record in the league and there's no reason to rush it.

Do you want me to take the time to look for them?

I hope Hunter isn't activated just so that Flip will be forced to use Delfino (and hopefully) Acker. But instead Flip will endup playing Tay & Chauncey 40+ minutes.